Letters and spelling

Words with astr: star and space vocabulary

This list gathers words that contain the letter string astr, most of which come from the Greek root astron, meaning star. It suits science vocabulary units, word-root lessons, or space-themed reading. Look for the shared piece in each word and notice how many connect to astronomy or the sky.

24 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
astronomynounThe scientific study of stars, planets, and other objects in outer space.She majored in astronomy because she was fascinated by distant galaxies.
astronomernounA scientist who studies stars, planets, and other objects and phenomena that occur outside Earth's atmosphere.The astronomer spent the night tracking a newly discovered comet through her telescope.
astronomicaladjectiveRelating to astronomy, or so large in scale that it seems almost impossible to measure.The bridge was rebuilt at an astronomical cost that shocked local taxpayers.
astronautnounA person who is trained to travel and work in a spacecraft.The astronaut spent six months conducting experiments aboard the space station.
astrologynounThe belief and practice of studying the positions of stars and planets to predict human affairs and events.She reads her horoscope every morning because she takes astrology seriously.
astrologernounA person who studies the positions of stars and planets to predict human affairs.The astrologer told her that Mercury's position explained her recent bad luck.
astrologicaladjectiveRelating to astrology, the belief that star and planet positions influence human events.She checked her astrological chart before deciding whether to accept the job offer.
astraladjectiveRelating to the stars, or to a supposed spiritual realm beyond the physical world.The observatory's dome opened to reveal a clear astral view of the winter sky.
asteroidnounA small, rocky body that orbits the sun, smaller than a planet.Scientists tracked an asteroid passing safely between Earth and the moon last week.
asternounA garden plant with daisy-like flowers that have a yellow center and pointed petals.Purple asters bloomed along the fence well into the cool days of October.
astringentadjectiveCausing skin or tissue to tighten, or sharply harsh and severe in tone.The lotion's astringent properties help close pores after a deep facial cleanse.
astrideprepositionWith one leg on each side of something, such as a horse or bench.She sat astride the horse and gathered the reins before setting off.
astrayadverbAway from the correct path, purpose, or expected course of behavior.The hikers wandered astray when the trail markers disappeared into the thick fog.
astrophysicsnounThe branch of science that applies the laws of physics to explain stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena.Her fascination with astrophysics began after she read about the discovery of black holes.
astrophysicistnounA scientist who studies the physical nature and behavior of stars, planets, and other celestial objects.The astrophysicist explained how neutron stars form after a massive star collapses.
astrobiologynounThe scientific study of the origin, evolution, and possible existence of life beyond Earth.The university's astrobiology program studies extreme environments where microbes might survive.
astrolabenounA historical instrument used to measure the position of stars and calculate time or location.Sailors once used an astrolabe to determine their latitude by measuring the sun's angle.
disasternounA sudden event, such as a flood or accident, that causes great damage or suffering.The earthquake was declared a national disaster after thousands of homes were destroyed.
disastrousadjectiveCausing great damage, harm, or failure; extremely unsuccessful.The picnic turned disastrous when a sudden storm ruined the food.
gastricadjectiveRelating to the stomach or its digestive processes.The doctor ordered tests to check for a gastric ulcer after his stomach pain worsened.
gastritisnounInflammation of the lining of the stomach, often causing pain or nausea.The doctor diagnosed him with gastritis after he complained of persistent stomach pain.
castrateverbTo remove the testicles of a male animal or person, usually to prevent reproduction.The vet recommended they castrate the young dog before he turned one.
castrationnounThe surgical removal of the testicles, performed on animals or people.Castration is commonly performed on pets to control unwanted breeding.
gastronomynounThe art and practice of preparing, cooking, and appreciating fine food.The region is famous for its gastronomy, especially its rich seafood dishes.

The star root behind astr words

Many astr words trace back to the Greek word astron, meaning star, which is why astronomy, astronaut, and astrology all deal with the sky. A few words in this list, like astride or gastric, contain the same letters by coincidence rather than through the star root, which makes a good discussion point about how spelling patterns do not always signal a shared meaning.

Frequently asked questions

Why do astronomy and astronaut share the astr pattern?

Both words come from the Greek root astron, meaning star, so each one relates in some way to stars or space.